About the Realtor Commission Calculator
This realtor commission calculator shows how much a home sale pays out in real estate commission, who receives it, and what the seller keeps. Enter the sale price and the listing and buyer-agent commission rates to see each side’s dollar amount, then apply a broker split to see what an individual agent actually takes home before their own expenses and taxes.
It is useful for sellers comparing listing agreements, buyers who are negotiating how their own agent is paid, and agents estimating a paycheck. Since the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement, buyer-agent compensation is negotiated separately and is no longer advertised on the MLS, so the tool lets you choose whether the seller or the buyer covers the buyer-agent fee.
Commission rates are always negotiable. The figures here are gross commission before brokerage desk fees, franchise fees, marketing costs and income tax, and they exclude other seller closing costs such as transfer tax and title fees.
With the default inputs, the total commission is $21,000.00. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the realtor commission calculator
- 1Enter the expected sale price of the home.
- 2Enter the listing agent’s commission rate from the listing agreement.
- 3Enter the buyer-agent rate and choose whether the seller or buyer pays it.
- 4Add the agent’s broker split and any flat fees to see agent take-home pay.
- 5Review the seller’s proceeds after commission and the breakdown table.
Formula and method
Each side’s commission is the sale price multiplied by that side’s rate. The listing brokerage receives the listing percentage and the buyer’s brokerage receives the buyer-agent percentage; together they make up the total commission. The seller’s cost includes the buyer-agent fee only when the seller agrees to pay it, which since the 2024 NAR settlement is a separate negotiation.
Commission is paid to brokerages, not directly to agents. Each agent then keeps their split percentage of their side, minus any flat desk or transaction fees. Seller proceeds shown here subtract only commission — your mortgage payoff, transfer taxes, title and escrow fees reduce the cash you receive further.
- Price
- Final sale price of the home
- Listing %
- Commission rate paid to the seller’s brokerage
- Buyer %
- Commission rate paid to the buyer’s brokerage
- Split
- Share of the brokerage commission the agent keeps
Worked examples
$400k sale, 2.75% listing + 2.5% buyer, seller pays both
The listing side earns 2.75% of $400,000 = $11,000 and the buyer side 2.5% = $10,000, for $21,000 in total (5.25%). The seller pays both and keeps $379,000 before other costs. On a 70/30 split the listing agent keeps $7,700 of the $11,000.
$650k sale where the buyer pays their own agent
The seller pays only the 2.5% listing fee ($16,250) and nets $633,750. The buyer pays their agent’s 2% ($13,000) directly. On an 80/20 split with a $500 transaction fee, the buyer’s agent takes home $13,000 × 0.8 − $500 = $9,900.
Discount listing, 1.5% with no buyer agent
A 1.5% discount listing on a $300,000 home costs $4,500. With an unrepresented buyer there is no buyer-side fee, so the seller keeps $295,500 before closing costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical realtor commission?+
Total commissions in the US have historically been around 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between the listing and buyer brokerages. Rates are fully negotiable and vary by market, price point and service level.
Does the seller still pay the buyer’s agent?+
Not automatically. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent pay is agreed in a written buyer agreement and cannot be advertised on the MLS. Sellers may still offer to cover it as a concession, or the buyer may pay it.
How much does the agent actually keep?+
Commission goes to the brokerage first. The agent keeps their split — often 50% to 90% — minus desk fees, franchise fees and marketing costs, and then pays self-employment and income tax on what remains.
Is realtor commission tax deductible for the seller?+
Commission is not deducted as an itemized expense, but it reduces the amount realized on the sale, which lowers any capital gain on the home. For a main home, gains up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) may be excluded anyway.
Can I negotiate a lower commission?+
Yes. Commission rates are not set by law. Sellers can negotiate a lower percentage, a flat fee, or a tiered rate, especially on higher-priced homes or when the agent also represents their next purchase.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.